The Constellation of Moon

The Witch Boy Review

Posted on October 9, 2018

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag

In thirteen-year-old Aster’s family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn’t shifted . . . and he’s still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be.

When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help — as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself.

Rating:

Yes, there’s more graphic novels being reviewed here and that’s just because I have been able to find more fo the kind I like to read for prices I can afford to pay recently, so I am loving it.

This story intrigued me, but it turned to be very relevant to the times, as it tackles sewgregation. The magical family of Aster has very defined roles in magic, women become witches. Men become shapeshipters that fight and “protect”.

Aster can’t seem to find a spirit to shapeshift into, and instead has a good knack at witchery. But he keeps getting chased away. He makes a friend from the non maical side of town and starts sharing some of his troubles, and she encourages to do what he thinks is best and not let the predefined roles limit him.

Then, his talents turn out to solve the issue of the disappearing boys. Mostly because Aster has been listening and paying attention to both sides of magic, so he gets a better panorama plus he can do witchery. But it was also a part of “children can still teach things to adults”.

I am really looking forward to the next one!

Moon recommends

Read The Witch Boy, or check out Nimona, or if you prefer non graphic novels, then try The Apprentice Witch.

Subscription Boxes

September NPC Crate Unboxing

Posted on October 7, 2018

20181003_110243

I love Steph’s candles, so this crate that also includes a delightful pin abnd a bookmark is a great thing for me.

This month’s box was all about Dungeons and Dragons, and of course it will feature dice.

Stealth check is a delightful soft scented candle with a bit of intrigue. Then there is also Natural 20 which just smells like a berry pie and it is delicious to smell. And finally we have Magic Missile, which has a delightfully refreshing intriguing scent, and I love lemongrass, so bonus points.

And a cute pin with gorgeous purple colour and wings (because anything with wings is a winner).

Book Review

Monstress Volume 3 Review

Posted on October 5, 2018

20180928_182012

Monstress Volume 3 Haven by Marjorie M. Liu and Sana Takeda

Maika has spent most of her life learning how to fight, but how will she fare when the only way to save her life…is to make friends?

Collects issues 13-18 of the Hugo Award and British Fantasy Award series.

Rating:

I had been waiting eagerly for this and it hasn’t disappointed. The artwork keeps me in awe as the other two volumes have, and the dynamics of the different societies are quite intriguing.

In this volume you get to understand more about the “monster” that is joined to Maika. There is also more information on why the cat sticks to them (and it wasn’t for the reason I initially thought, which was good and also it didn’t leave me feeling cheated, rather more curious, a good thing).

We also learn more about the past of both Maika, the sleeping God/monster, the Beloved, and just the world in general and what appears to have brought it forward.

War, tends to also be a big topic here, but now i is about how to survive it and make allies rather than to destroy everyone. It feels almost like it is giving Maika time for a bigger thing to come, but I am still unsure of what it will be.

Moon recommends

Reading all the volumes of Monstress, however, if this is your first graphic novel definitely don’t do it. Why? Because it will confuse you. Give manga, or other graphic novels (like Fables, like Nimona, etc) a go before attempting Monstress.

Book Review

The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart Review

Posted on October 3, 2018

The Dragon With the Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis

Aventurine is the fiercest, bravest dragon there is. And she’s ready to prove it to her family by leaving the safety of their mountain cave and capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human. But when the human she finds tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, Aventurine is transformed into a puny human girl with tiny blunt teeth, no fire, and not one single claw.

But she’s still the fiercest creature in the mountains — and now she’s found her true passion: chocolate! All she has to do is get herself an apprenticeship (whatever that is) in a chocolate house (which sounds delicious), and she’ll be conquering new territory in no time…won’t she?

Rating:

Please excuse me, for some reason I emptied this when I added the picture and somehow can’t recover my delightful review. So this time it will be a short review, because sometimes one doesn’t need more.

This book redefines some concepts on dragons, or rather, makes them more fun. Introduces the concept of a food mage (I am a food mage for sure, if I can’t be a dragon).

Also, there is a chocolate house (that isn’t made of chocolate, sadly) and lots of hot chocolate with chilli (which makes my Mexican heart ver so happy).

There is aloso Silke and Marina and Horst, and I just wanted to grab everyone and hug them and go have some chocolate in their chocolate house because it is like a dream come true.

Books, Subscription Boxes

Magic and Mayhem Illumicrate Special Edition

Posted on October 1, 2018

Look at that, you get a massive outside the puzzle picture, because this box was jampacked with delightful V.E. Schwab themed things and I was running out of table to showcase them!

Starting from the top left corner and going clockwise:

Double sided tote bag by Rowa Tree. It is a very sturdy bag and it is grey, so happy me.
An enamel mug by Temporary Places (I have a love/hate relationship with enamel mugs. They’re good for camping, but they can burn your hands easily as they get quite hot).
A pouch (decent size) with one of my favourite quotes from VE. Schwab, by Stella Bookish Art.
Tarot style cards by Lorena Lammer (They made me think a lot of Mucha style).
Vengeful special edition. It is very similar to the original but in red. There was also a letter from Victoria herself.
Four Londons scarf (it is quite thick and I am looking forward to wearing it) by Fable & Black
Character bookmarks by Merwild.
Villains inspired pin by Fable & Black.
Lila and Kell at the ball by Victoria Ying.
Illumicrate Victor Vale style book sleeve, which made me very happy to see in the box (and that the book was inside).
Four Londons postcards by Moledro Craft Co.
Four Londons candle (I squealed when I say that it was layered) by Amelia’s Kitchen Candles.
As Tascen water bottle by Crini.
As Travars keyring (absolutely made my day and made me smile also by Fable & Black.

I’ve seen other special edition boxes in general but this felt absolutely perfect to me, and it was amazing.

Books, Subscription Boxes

Masters of Disguise Owlcrate Unboxing

Posted on September 29, 2018

In case you didn’t know, I used to be subscribed to Owlcrate (I only missed out on their first 3 boxes) for a long time, but then I got a bit tired of it (at the time they were using very similar items/same shops in every single box). The nice thing is they’re much better now so I restarted it :).

Starting from the book and going clockwise:

Mirage by Somaiya Daud. In an owlcrate exclusive cover that I have to admit I am loving so much!
Theme magaizne/zine.
A gorgeous ceramic mug (that looks like an enamel one, which for me is a MASSIVE win, enamel are perfect but difficutl to hold because heat!)
A delightful bath soak that foams (win once again!)
ADSOM Lila Bard print
A nail polish from publisher to promote Grim Lovelies.
Six of Crows fingerless mittens (they are gorgeous, love the button detail).
Apple mint lip balm (this is always a welcome item in a book box as my bf steals them from me once it starts getting cooler/wintery).
Theme card and pin.

I was delighted by this box so here I come for the next one!

Book Review, Books

Jinxed Review

Posted on September 27, 2018

Jinxed by Amy McCulloch

Lacey Chu has big dreams of becoming a companioneer for MONCHA, the largest tech firm in North America and the company behind the “baku” – a customisable smart pet that functions as a phone but makes the perfect companion too. When Lacey finds out she hasn’t been accepted into Profectus – the elite academy for cutting edge tech – it seems her dreams are over. Worst of all, rather than getting to choose one of the advanced bakus, she’s stuck with a rubbish insect one.

Then, one night, Lacey comes across the remains of an advanced baku. Once it might’ve been in the shape of a cat but it’s now mangled and broken, no sign of electronic life behind its eyes. Days of work later and the baku opens its eyes. Lacey calls him Jinx – and Jinx opens up a world for her that she never even knew existed, including entry to the hallowed halls of Profecus. Slowly but surely, Jinx becomes more than just a baku to Lacey – he becomes her perfect companion. But what is Jinx, really? His abilities far surpass anything written into his code or built into his motherboard. He seems to be more than just a robotic pet. He seems … real.

Rating:

The first chapter after the prologue had me complete head over heels with it. My engineer’s heart adored reading about a teenager soldering (because I did it too, and worked with circuits, bread boards, etc).

I loved seeing a girl being the one behind the electronics with a female “hero”, role model, and also having at heart the fact that she wants to make things better for her mother who has done a lot for her.

The concept of the baku was also delightful, though I admit a few parts of it puzzled me (like the leash, they pierce your ear but is the leashing wireless, wired, or how does it work? also, piercings take a long time to heal the nasty things, so it’d be quite intriguing that it works so immediately), but all in all I am liking the concept. I can see pros and cons for it and that makes me happy because I work in technology so this was definitely the book for me.

I wasn’t too keen on the romance, but I can see why Lacey would feel the way she did. Also, Jinx is a fun character and seeing him grow too alongside Lacey was wonderful. I can’t wait for the sequel.

Moon recommends

So if you are (or used to be) a teenager that is into technology or is intrigued by it, definitely recommend this cute book. You can also check Amy’s other books, Potion Diaries.

Book Review, Books

Nimona Review

Posted on September 25, 2018

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism!

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

Rating:

Back in my teenage years when I used to read a lot of webcomics, Nimona was one of those I stumbled upon and would eagerly await the next page (some webcomics updated/update once a week, others twice, if you’re lucky, a lot have hiatus where they have guest comics coming in).

When I saw it in Waterstones it was like stepping back to the past and reminding myself how much I loved webcomics. (Nowadays I only follow a couple) SO of course I got a copy of it. And I read through it in bed before sleeping. It made me smile, and it made me remeber how much I liked it.

The art work is nice and cute, the story is original and fun. Worth a read, specially if you like Lumberjanes and Moonstruck.

Subscription Boxes

Staycation Yume Twins Unboxing

Posted on September 23, 2018

With a theme such as staycation, how could I resist this box? It was extra cute which was perfect for a cheering up after a long work day. Starting on the cute bird plushie:

There where six different birds that you could get, they’re all round and cute and super soft (shame you can’t share textures online). I didn’t have a particular preference this time, so I was happy with the one I got.
The Staycation “magazine” which explains items, and other bits and bobs.
A Hello Kitty travel toothbrush. Previously they did a My Melody one and it is one of the handiest things ever, so I was glad to get another one (and I like anything Sanrio)
Zipper Bags, they look like “mason jars” but are actually sturdy zipper bags. They seem ideal for snacks but I would want to use them for things that can be washed out and then reuse them. They’re very very cute.
A Little Twin Stars shopping bag. It comes in its own carrying bag and once again, it is sturdy and it is also lovely.
Disney Tsum Tsum water tumbler. It was one of the first things I unboxed and I immediately thought of a friend who likes Disney a lot and it made me smile.
Sticky tabs with cute motifs. I recently have been using this type of things more and more as I read and note things in stories that I’d like to remember or share out, so this are welcome.

Book Review

The Gilded King Review

Posted on September 21, 2018

The Gilded King by Josie Jaffrey

In the Blue, the world’s last city, all is not well.

Julia is stuck within its walls. She serves the nobility from a distance until she meets Lucas, a boy who believes in fairytales that Julia’s world can’t accommodate. The Blue is her prison, not her castle, and she’d escape into the trees if she didn’t know that contamination and death awaited humanity outside.

But not everyone in the Blue is human, and not everyone can be contained.

Beyond the city’s boundaries, in the wild forests of the Red, Cameron has precious little humanity left to lose. As he searches for a lost queen, he finds an enemy rising that he thought long dead. An enemy that the humans have forgotten how to fight.

One way or another, the walls of the Blue are coming down. The only question is what side you’ll be on when they do.

Rating:

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book really pulled some punches on me. Starting with the fact at first I just couldn’t get into Cam’s chapters as much and part of me wanted to get through with them to go back to Julia’s.

And then all of a sudden I felt completely the opposite and I wanted more Cam chapters than Julia’s.

Not that either was bad, but more that at times one was more intriguing to me than the other. The concept of The Silvers/Nobles/Izcacus/etc is neat and I like that even a little bit of Lestat was into this book. They don’t glitter (yes!, thousand times yes!) and they are in a much more futuristic setting rather than going to the past or the present/contemporary.

Instead you have an intriguing dystopia that keeps you asking questions and trying to figure out which side is right, why are they doing what they are doing, and who exactly is right and wrong in their assumptions. I breezed through it and really loved. Then I realised that the next one isn’t out yet (why are you doing this to me world?!).

Moon Recommends

So, I guess my advice this time is to buy this one, preorder A Bargain in Silver and go curl up into a ball until it comes out and you can read more about Emmy.